Within the grand halls of the royal capital's palace, a celebration is held.
An excited princess looks onward eagerly, waving to the knight, her resplendent azure eyes and hair attract much attention.
A wise King sits upon his throne, slightly smiling. Despite his wrinkles, he was in excellent form. The model of an enlightened monarch.
A cold Queen watches from the balcony, her face a stone mask and eyes calculating. Her veiled face hides a vicious beauty.
A knight, the guest of honor, kneels before everyone, stoic and emotionless. One might've mistaken him for a statue, not helped by his gray-silver hair.
Everyone in the venue chatters about the guest of honor.
A rural noble questions his associate about the kneeling warrior.
"I've been out of the capital for quite some time, been dipping my toes in the mining industry in Ervalt. Would it trouble you to fill me in on what today's banquet is about?"
His friend fills him enthusiastically, "That's Sir Ethan! He is the epitome of chivalry and honor! Even knights from other nations look up to him as a role model!" The associate puffs his chest up with pride as though he was the one receiving the compliments.
"Oh! I've heard of him! The Bane of Evil! Looks even more gallant in real life than he does in the stories! For what feat is he being praised this time?"
"I'm not quite sure, information about the mission was restricted. Apparently its something of national security."
"Did he stop an entire Monster Stampede?"
"A good guess, but I believe it's because he apprehended the top members of a dangerous cult."
'Gan!'
The sound of a scepter hitting the floor resounds throughout the grand chamber.
The nobles all quiet down and face the king.
A steward hurries over to the king's side, with a bow and takes away the ornate scepter.
The King clears his front, surveying the room. His eyes land on a few nobles still chittering in the back.
The nobles shiver, not from the King, but a penetrating gaze directed at them from the person sitting by the King's side.
Finally, the entire hall is silent.
Everyone awaits the King's words.
The King is quick to deliver, "Courageous and noble, Sir Ethan. You're feats are known far and wide throughout the kingdom and beyond.
Thus, we'll skip the titles lest we drag on to morning."
His words elicit some laughter, even a slight smile appeared on the knight's face.
The King continues, "Before I can reward the brave hero who honors us with his presence. I must divulge some information."
Murmurs broke out. Wild speculations.
The return of Demons?
The rise of a dangerous terrorist group?
The encroachment of forces from a hostile nation?
Another glare from the queen made everyone get back in line.
"A fortnight ago. A group of unknown individuals attacked the
Among them was an Evil Dragon.
Not just any Evil Dragon, but a direct spawn of Tiamat."
Gasps erupt throughout the attendees.
Dragons, creatures of power who can lay entire cities to waste.
The majority known to the world are known to be isolationists, so unless someone had the bright idea to raid their lair, they hate venturing into populated places..
However, there are a rare breed who once aligned themselves with the forces of evil in the far past.
They are known as Evil Dragons.
A rampaging dragon is bad enough.
But the appearance of an Evil Dragon is considered the harbinger of doom. A precursor of the catastrophes to come.
Rarely had they been seen since the last invasion of the continent by the Demons.
Upon hearing the existence of a Evil Dragon, everyone raised their voices.
The King immediately silenced their concerns with a clang of his staff, "Do not worry, the dragon has already been dealt with by Sir Ethan."
Everyone broke out sighs of relief.
Some cast gazes of approval and gratitude to the knight kneeling in the middle of the velvet-covered marble hall.
Ignoring the murmurs and looks, Sir Ethan continued to remain kneeling on the floor.
Tired of banging his scepter every time, the King goes on, "This dragon kidnapped my daughter to fulfill some unknown nefarious plan.
Several other disastrous events have occurred all around the continent this past year.
We are currently in cooperation with the intelligence agencies of other nations to root out this
Thankfully, before any great damage was done to our kingdom or to our neighbors. Sir Ethan, swiftly resolved them.
On that note, Sir Ethan.
To congratulate your efforts in defending the realm, as well as your services in rescuing my daughter from the clutches of the Evil Dragon and its collaborators. I grant you the title of Defender of The Realm."
The nobles present burst into chatter once more. The King resists the urge to facepalm.
"Defender of The Realm? Only a handful of people ever received the title in our kingdom's history!"
"Not to mention nearly all of them came from the Solvyr family!"
Everybody quiets down when, "Thank you my liege. Defending the people is a knight's duty. There is no need to bestow such a"
The King raises an eyebrow in amusement and "How many knights can slay a dragon singlehandedly?"
"Sir Rodrick as far as I am one-hundred percent certain."
The King nods, "Indeed, your mentor, the head of the Solyvr household. I do believe that speaks for itself."
Sir Ethan clamps his mouth shut, any further words would breach upon lese-majeste.
The King doesn't press and gets everything on track, "Now! Enough with this grim atmosphere! Tonight, we celebrate the heroic feats of Sir Ethan and the safe return of my daughter!
Let the celebrations commence!"
Normally, the dance would be started by the royals.
However, since tonight was a special occasion. Ophielle was encouraged by her father to lead the show.
Not a single man dared walk up to her.
The princess fights the urge to fidget.
In her eyes, everyone doesn't like her.
In everyone else's, they were simply waiting for the stars of tonight's show to kick things off.
The people did not have to wait long.
A man in armor, out of character for the party, walks up to the innocent azure beauty and bows.
The princess anxiously waits for his next move.
Sir Ethan bends over slightly, holding out his hand, he asks, "May I have the honor of having this dance, Princess Ophielle?"
Her highness gives a beaming smile, but swiftly shrinks it as not to be made fun of for acting like a young school girl asked to a dance by her crush.
"Absolutely, Sir Ethan!"
The azure-haired princess
Her steps were light, fresh, full of youth and innocence. Not practiced footwork to keep up with appearances.
Despite his bulky garb, the
The two were in sync.
A princess blessed by the skies and a revered hero.
A beautiful dance straight out of a fairytale.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
After the dance ended, everyone erupted into applause.
The party continued on, several nobles approached Ethan and Ophielle.
Most of them wanted the chance to dance with them, others wished to build ties.
Before they came under siege by admirers and well-wishers. Two servants came in to intercept the crowd.
One was a blonde-haired maid who apologized to everyone for her mistress' ill health. She takes the blue-haired princess by the arm and guides her away.
The other is the king's steward whispers to the knight and beckons him to follow.
Everyone reluctantly parts ways for the stars of tonight's celebration.
Ironically, the one who can't stand crowds the most is the one who wanted to leave the venue least.
Ophielle looks back at Sir Ethan's retreating figure.
Her slightly frowning cherry pink lips and round eyes resemble an abandoned puppy.
Sensing her sadness. The knight turns around and gives her a parting
The onlookers watching this exchange ate it all up like prepubescent girls attending a romantic piece at the theatre.
Sir Ethan go up several flights of stairs to a room guarded by four heavily armed guards. The ceremonial armor they wear identify them as members of the Royal Guards. Just like the ones guarding the king's throne earlier in the celebration.
Despite being one of the Royal Guards himself, the guards salute him
Ethan nods in response, thrilling the guards inside.
They didn't dare let their excitement show lest it made him lower their evaluation in his eyes.
Two of the guards open the double doors, revealing a luxurious office.
Sitting behind a desk stacked with several documents is the King.
The steward bows and takes his leave.
Once the doors shut behind the departing steward, the King gestures for Sir Ethan to sit across from him
Knowing his monarch's personality, Ethan wastes no time as he takes his seat.
The King gets straight to the point with a question, "Did you enjoy the celebration?"
"The food and wine are excellent your Majesty."
The King laughs, "I'm glad to hear!"
"Aside"
Ethan stiffens, 'Gods! Please don't let this be another life-or-death mission!'
"I wish to grant you an additional reward."
'Please let it be farmland! Please let it be farmland!'
"You have have done much for our kingdom, I wish to give you a fitting position. It's nothing official, but I wish to give you a title equal to the Pillars."
'Ah great, how did it come to this? I just want to live the rest of my life profiting off copyrighting other authors' books.'
Instead of saying his thoughts out loud, what Ethan actually said is, "Such an honor is far above my I deserve, your Majesty."
"Don't you dare refuse this!" The King waves him off in mock anger, "Our kingdom would've suffered catastrophic losses if it weren't for your intervention. I insist! That's a royal decree!"
The knight secretly prayed this was the end of all the king called him here for.
Alas, the generous king had more in store, "However, it wouldn't do to have your new household contain only one member. I can assign you some staff members if you wish."
Ethan immediately turned down his suggestion as politely as possible, "No need your majesty. If the gods deem my mission is just and will it, I will surely encounter like-minded people who will accompany me."
"Very well! No doubt there'll be many who wish to become your retainer. But! You are still missing one crucial detail."
The knight resists the temptation to raise an eyebrow, "What
"You need a wife!"
Ethan wanted to retort how any women would want to marry him, but held his tongue. Although cheerful and kind-hearted, this king had a way of driving people into a corner with words alone.
Besides, now that he thinks back on it, there are several women who might be willing to marry him, but he didn't say their names. Otherwise all the hard work he put into building his chivalrous image would be ruined, and he'd go through eternal torment. Not in hell, but by the one whose loyalty and services the king made him pledge to.
Ignorant of Ethan's inner turmoil, the King leans in and asks, "Do you happen to have anyone you're seeing right now?"
"No I'm afraid not."
"Oh? Well, if you aren't courting anyone at the moment, may I offer a potential candidate?"
'If the wise king himself is recommending a girl, I suppose they can't be a terrible person. If you put aside the current queen that is.'
"What are your thoughts about my daughter?"
'Goddamnit! Why are the things I wish for always the ones I want the least!
The court is already messy as is with me being the so-called 'Defender of The Realm!' I don't want to get involved in the palace politics!'
Ethan decides to play ignorant, "I'm sorry, your Majesty, but which of your daughters are you referring to?"
"Oh! Come on now! No need to be shy, I think we all know who I'm talking about." The King smiles, "Naturally, if you wish to marry someone else, I wouldn't object, there are plenty of women who have their eyes set on you."
'Come on! Who is it!'
"However, I think everyone would be pleased and have no objections if you took Ophielle as your fiancé."
"H-Her highness?"
Ethan couldn't believe his years, but the King made sure to drive it in.
"That's right!"
Behind his trademark stoic poker face, Ethan internally screams, "No! Please! Anyone but her!"
The tale of the knight in shining armor rescuing the trapped princess from the clutches of an evil monster.
Together, they ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after.
A theme as old as time. One that has been around since the dawn of stories.
But what if the princess stuck behind bars is the monster?
What if behind their beautiful and graceful facade, is a heart of cruelty devoid of all compassion and sympathy?
This is the backstory of one of the most beloved and hated characters in the world-acclaimed RPG.
A story about a Pale Ice Rose hiding a soul darker than tar and her faithful knight who wishes to retire peacefully.